Los Angeles has a history quite unlike any others. The sunshine, palm trees, and Hollywood Boulevard are all still here. But in my experience, the birthplace of modern cinema has changed a fair bit. Don't get me wrong! I've lived here for a few years and Hollywood is still a pretty magical place, but it doesn't have the same flair that it did during it's golden age. I blame the traffic.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)

Imgur/Fredric March

Back in 1931, all that was needed was some good old fashioned shadowplay to create this photo. That and some makeup. And probably a lot of people on set helping out. Okay, it probably still look a lot of effort.

Black Legion (1937)

Imgur/Erin O’Brien-Moore, Humphrey Bogart, Ann Sheridan

Are you kidding me with that face, young Humphrey Bogart? Somebody point me towards the nearest fainting couch please.

A Day at the Races (1937)

Imgur/Marx Brothers

Yes, this horse's back is pretty messed up looking. It's called lordosis and it's usually not painful. Then again, I've never been a horse with lordosis, so what do I know?

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Imgur/Jack Haley, Ray Bolger, Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Bert Lahr

Look at that. No photoshop, no nothin'. Just five actors sitting on a giant book with their characters on it, because Hollywood!

Cover Girl (1944)

Imgur/Rita Hayworth

Back in the 1940s walking on sheet music was not only possible, but encouraged!

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Imgur/Gloria Swanson

Sunset Boulevard is the best. Gloria Swanson is the best. Shiny 1950s sidewalks are the best. I am always looking for appropriate places to drop the line, "I'm ready for my close-up." Sadly, this does not make me a fun person to take pictures with.

The Wild One (1953)

Imgur/Peggy Maley, Marlon Brando, Yvonne Doughtry

Three people on the bike and no helmets. Maybe it's not safe, but damn does Marlon Brando look cool.

Gorilla at Large (1954)

Imgur/Anne Bancroft, George Barrows, Charlotte Austin

This must have been a throwaway shot because it looks like they're having way too much fun to be filming a horror movie. Best gorilla friend ever!

North by Northwest (1959)

Imgur/Cary Grant

Cary Grant, I love you, but what's going on with those socks? You really didn't have a spare black pair somewhere?

The Birds (1963)

Imgur/Tippi Hedren

Tippi Hedren, why are you so gorgeous and badass? So elegant, yet fierce. Some have compared her to Lena Headey and I can definitely see the comparison.

So what did you guys think about these old school photo shoots? If I had a time machine, I wouldn't be entirely opposed to checking out a glam Los Angeles premiere back then. Bring on the satin gowns!